GAME THREAD: GAME THREAD: NL: FLORIDA (48-55) at SAN FRANCISCO (43-57)

NL: FLORIDA at SAN FRANCISCO

<div class="pre">** CONFIRMED **
NL
FLORIDA 10
SAN FRANCISCO 12 FINAL</div>

 

Bonds hits 754th homer as Giants rally past Marlins

<h3>SAN FRANCISCO 12, FLORIDA 10</h3>SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- At long last, Barry Bonds gave thefans at AT&T Park what they wanted to see.


Bonds hit his 754th career homer to pull within one of tryingHank Aaron's all-time mark as the San Francisco Giants ralliedfor a 12-10 triumph over the Florida Marlins on Friday night.

The 43-year-old slugger inched closer to the historicalmilestone in the first inning, when he connected on a 2-1 pitchto deep left-center - estimated at 420 feet - off Florida rookieRick Vanden Hurk for a 2-1 lead.


The capacity crowd roared its approval and when Bonds took thefield for the second inning, a congratulatory message fromformer NBA legend Michael Jordan played on the scoreboard.

It was the first homer at home for the seven-time NationalLeague MVP since going deep in the eighth inning of a 7-3setback to the New York Yankees on June 22.


Vanden Hurk, who possibly did not want to be linked with Bondsforever, walked the San Francisco slugger in the third and againin the fifth. Bonds finished 1-for-1 with four walks on theevening.


However, Bonds' celebration cheers turn into boos after Giantsstarter Barry Zito was tagged for four runs in the third as MikeJacobs laced a two-run double and came around on Cody Ross'two-run homer.


But San Francisco rallied in the fifth as Bonds and Ryan Kleskodrew consecutive walks before Pedro Feliz delivered a three-runblast. Bengie Molina then capped the four-run uprising with asolo shot off Vanden Hurk to tie the game at 6-6.


Hanley Ramirez gave Florida a brief one-run advantage with aleadoff homer - his 17th - to left against reliever KevinCorreia in the next frame.


However, San Francisco grabbed the lead for good in the bottomhalf. Randy Winn doubled and scored on Omar Vizquel's RBIsingle and Ray Durham followed with a go-head two-run homer offreliever Renyel Pinto (2-4), highlighting a commanding six-runinning to make it 12-7.


That blast made a winner of Vinnie Chulk (4-2), who got the lasttwo outs of the sixth.


Durham's blast gave the Giants their second four-homer contestof the season. San Francisco also went deep four times atCincinnati on July 4.


Zito gave up six runs and eight hits in just four innings toremain winless in his last three home games.


Vanden Hurk surrendered six runs and eight hits with five walksover five frames.

 

NL: FLORIDA at SAN FRANCISCO

<div class="pre">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FLORIDA (10) AT SAN FRANCISCO (12) - HOW THEY SCORED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FLORIDA 1ST: H Ramirez grounded out to pitcher. D Uggla doubled to deep
left. M Cabrera singled to center, D Uggla scored. J Willingham grounded into
double play, second to shortstop to first, M Cabrera out at second.(1 Run,
2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1, SAN FRANCISCO 0.

SAN FRANCISCO 1ST: D Roberts reached on infield single to shortstop.
D Roberts stole second. O Vizquel sacrificed to third, D Roberts to third.
R Durham hit sacrifice fly to left, D Roberts scored. B Bonds homered to center.
R Klesko flied out to left. (2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1,
SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 3RD: H Ramirez flied out to right. D Uggla flied out to center.
M Cabrera walked. J Willingham walked, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs doubled to
right, M Cabrera and J Willingham scored. C Ross homered to left center,
M Jacobs scored. M Olivo struck out swinging. (4 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
FLORIDA 5, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 4TH: J Hermida doubled to deep center. R Vanden Hurk sacrificed to
first, J Hermida to third. H Ramirez doubled to deep right center, J Hermida
scored. D Uggla grounded out to pitcher. M Cabrera intentionally walked.
J Willingham walked, H Ramirez to third, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs grounded
out to first. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

SAN FRANCISCO 5TH: O Vizquel flied out to center. R Durham doubled to
right. R Durham out at second on runner's fielder's choice. B Bonds walked.
R Klesko walked, B Bonds to second. P Feliz homered to left, B Bonds and
R Klesko scored. B Molina homered to left. F Lewis grounded out to third.
(4 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 6.

FLORIDA 6TH: H Ramirez homered to center. D Uggla grounded out to third.
M Cabrera singled to center. V Chulk relieved K Correia. R Winn in right
field. J Willingham walked, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs flied out to right,
M Cabrera to third. C Ross popped out to shortstop. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
FLORIDA 7, SAN FRANCISCO 6.

SAN FRANCISCO 6TH: R Pinto relieved R Vanden Hurk. A Amezaga in center
field. R Winn doubled to deep center. D Roberts struck out bunting foul.
O Vizquel singled to center, R Winn scored, O Vizquel to second on error by
center fielder A Amezaga. R Durham homered to left, O Vizquel scored. B Bonds
walked. R Klesko grounded into fielder's choice to first, B Bonds out at
second. M Lindstrom relieved R Pinto. P Feliz singled to center, R Klesko to
second. B Molina singled to right center, R Klesko scored, P Feliz to second,
P Feliz to third, B Molina to second on throwing error by right fielder
J Hermida.P Feliz scored, B Molina to third on throwing error by pitcher
M Lindstrom. M Sweeney hit for V Chulk. M Sweeney singled to center, B Molina
scored. M Sweeney to second on wild pitch by M Lindstrom. R Winn struck out
swinging. (6 Runs, 6 Hits, 2 Errors) FLORIDA 7, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

FLORIDA 7TH: J Sanchez relieved V Chulk. M Olivo flied out to right.
J Hermida walked. A Amezaga doubled to deep left center, J Hermida to third.
H Ramirez hit sacrifice fly to center, J Hermida scored. D Uggla flied out to
left. (1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 8, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

FLORIDA 9TH: M Olivo singled to left. M Olivo to second on wild pitch by
R Messenger. J Hermida hit a ground rule double to deep right center, M Olivo
scored. A Amezaga grounded out to third, J Hermida to third. H Ramirez
singled to center, J Hermida scored. D Uggla grounded into fielder's choice to
third, H Ramirez out at second. M Cabrera flied out to right. (2 Runs, 3 Hits,
0 Errors) FLORIDA 10, SAN FRANCISCO 12.</div>

 

NL: FLORIDA at SAN FRANCISCO

<div class="pre">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FLORIDA (10) AT SAN FRANCISCO (12) - EVENT LOG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Florida Starting Lineups -- H Ramirez SS, D Uggla 2B, M Cabrera 3B,
J Willingham LF, M Jacobs 1B, C Ross CF, M Olivo C, J Hermida RF,
R Vanden Hurk RHP.

San Francisco Starting Lineups -- D Roberts CF, O Vizquel SS, R Durham 2B,
B Bonds LF, R Klesko 1B, P Feliz 3B, B Molina C, F Lewis RF, B Zito LHP.

Umpires -- Mike Reilly (HP), Jeff Kellogg (1B), Eric Cooper (2B),
Andy Fletcher (3B).

Gametime Weather: 63 degrees, Clear, wind out to right at 20 mph.


FLORIDA 1ST: H Ramirez grounded out to pitcher. D Uggla doubled to deep
left. M Cabrera singled to center, D Uggla scored. J Willingham grounded into
double play, second to shortstop to first, M Cabrera out at second.(1 Run,
2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1, SAN FRANCISCO 0.

SAN FRANCISCO 1ST: D Roberts reached on infield single to shortstop.
D Roberts stole second. O Vizquel sacrificed to third, D Roberts to third.
R Durham hit sacrifice fly to left, D Roberts scored. B Bonds homered to center.
R Klesko flied out to left. (2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1,
SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 2ND: M Jacobs singled to right. C Ross singled to shallow right,
M Jacobs to second. M Olivo struck out swinging. J Hermida flied out to center.
R Vanden Hurk struck out swinging. (0 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1,
SAN FRANCISCO 2.

SAN FRANCISCO 2ND: P Feliz grounded out to third. B Molina flied out to
center. F Lewis singled to right. B Zito walked, F Lewis to second.
D Roberts reached on infield single to pitcher, F Lewis to third, B Zito to
second. O Vizquel flied out to right. (0 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 1,
SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 3RD: H Ramirez flied out to right. D Uggla flied out to center.
M Cabrera walked. J Willingham walked, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs doubled to
right, M Cabrera and J Willingham scored. C Ross homered to left center,
M Jacobs scored. M Olivo struck out swinging. (4 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
FLORIDA 5, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

SAN FRANCISCO 3RD: R Durham struck out swinging. B Bonds walked. R Klesko
singled to left center, B Bonds to second. P Feliz flied out to center,
B Bonds to third. B Molina grounded into fielder's choice to third, R Klesko out
at second. (0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 5, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 4TH: J Hermida doubled to deep center. R Vanden Hurk sacrificed to
first, J Hermida to third. H Ramirez doubled to deep right center, J Hermida
scored. D Uggla grounded out to pitcher. M Cabrera intentionally walked.
J Willingham walked, H Ramirez to third, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs grounded
out to first. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

SAN FRANCISCO 4TH: F Lewis lined out to shortstop. K Frandsen hit for
B Zito. K Frandsen grounded out to shortstop. D Roberts walked. D Roberts
picked off first.(0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

FLORIDA 5TH: K Correia relieved B Zito. C Ross struck out looking. M Olivo
flied out to left. J Hermida walked. R Vanden Hurk struck out swinging.
(0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 2.

SAN FRANCISCO 5TH: O Vizquel flied out to center. R Durham doubled to
right. R Durham out at second on runner's fielder's choice. B Bonds walked.
R Klesko walked, B Bonds to second. P Feliz homered to left, B Bonds and
R Klesko scored. B Molina homered to left. F Lewis grounded out to third.
(4 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 6, SAN FRANCISCO 6.

FLORIDA 6TH: H Ramirez homered to center. D Uggla grounded out to third.
M Cabrera singled to center. V Chulk relieved K Correia. R Winn in right
field. J Willingham walked, M Cabrera to second. M Jacobs flied out to right,
M Cabrera to third. C Ross popped out to shortstop. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
FLORIDA 7, SAN FRANCISCO 6.

SAN FRANCISCO 6TH: R Pinto relieved R Vanden Hurk. A Amezaga in center
field. R Winn doubled to deep center. D Roberts struck out bunting foul.
O Vizquel singled to center, R Winn scored, O Vizquel to second on error by
center fielder A Amezaga. R Durham homered to left, O Vizquel scored. B Bonds
walked. R Klesko grounded into fielder's choice to first, B Bonds out at
second. M Lindstrom relieved R Pinto. P Feliz singled to center, R Klesko to
second. B Molina singled to right center, R Klesko scored, P Feliz to second,
P Feliz to third, B Molina to second on throwing error by right fielder
J Hermida.P Feliz scored, B Molina to third on throwing error by pitcher
M Lindstrom. M Sweeney hit for V Chulk. M Sweeney singled to center, B Molina
scored. M Sweeney to second on wild pitch by M Lindstrom. R Winn struck out
swinging. (6 Runs, 6 Hits, 2 Errors) FLORIDA 7, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

FLORIDA 7TH: J Sanchez relieved V Chulk. M Olivo flied out to right.
J Hermida walked. A Amezaga doubled to deep left center, J Hermida to third.
H Ramirez hit sacrifice fly to center, J Hermida scored. D Uggla flied out to
left. (1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 8, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

SAN FRANCISCO 7TH: L Gardner relieved M Lindstrom. D Roberts flied out to
center. O Vizquel grounded out to second. R Durham grounded out to second.
(0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 8, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

FLORIDA 8TH: M Cabrera grounded out to shortstop. J Willingham reached on
infield single to third. J Willingham to second on wild pitch by J Sanchez.
M Jacobs struck out swinging. J Wood hit for L Gardner. R Messenger relieved
J Sanchez. R Aurilia at second base. J Wood struck out swinging. (0 Runs, 1 Hit,
0 Errors) FLORIDA 8, SAN FRANCISCO 12.

SAN FRANCISCO 8TH: T Tankersley relieved L Gardner. B Bonds walked.
R Klesko struck out swinging. P Feliz grounded into double play, second to
shortstop to first, B Bonds out at second.(0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) FLORIDA 8,
SAN FRANCISCO 12.

FLORIDA 9TH: M Olivo singled to left. M Olivo to second on wild pitch by
R Messenger. J Hermida hit a ground rule double to deep right center, M Olivo
scored. A Amezaga grounded out to third, J Hermida to third. H Ramirez
singled to center, J Hermida scored. D Uggla grounded into fielder's choice to
third, H Ramirez out at second. M Cabrera flied out to right. (2 Runs, 3 Hits,
0 Errors) FLORIDA 10, SAN FRANCISCO 12.</div>

 

Bonds hits 754th homer as Giants rally past Marlins

<h3>SAN FRANCISCO 12, FLORIDA 10</h3>By Ryan McCrary
PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer


SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- At long last, Barry Bonds gave the fansat AT&T Park what they wanted to see.


Bonds hit his 754th career homer to pull within one of tryingHank Aaron's all-time mark as the San Francisco Giants ralliedfor a 12-10 triumph over the Florida Marlins on Friday night.

The 43-year-old slugger inched closer to the historicalmilestone in the first inning, when he connected on a 2-1 pitch<div class="pre">to deep left-center - estimated at 420 feet off Florida rookie</div>Rick Vanden Hurk for a 2-1 lead.


The capacity crowd roared its approval and when Bonds took thefield for the second inning, a congratulatory message fromformer NBA legend Michael Jordan played on the scoreboard.

"It felt good, real good, but a win felt better," Bonds said."It's sinking in now. The city is great, the fans have beenfantastic. I don't know how to say thank you enough for themand the city of San Francisco, not only for myself, but for theorganization. It's very hard to explain because I can't tellyou every emotion that's going through my body and everythingthat's going on."


Bonds claims this chase is not much different from any othermilestone he has chased throughout his career.


"It's a very different situation this time around than any of myother home runs. Every home run I've hit was mostly in apennant race. I don't feel that kind of pressure. I've beendoing that my whole life."


It was the first homer at home for the seven-time NationalLeague MVP since going deep in the eighth inning of a 7-3setback to the New York Yankees on June 22.


Vanden Hurk, who possibly did not want to be linked with Bondsforever, walked the San Francisco slugger in the third and againin the fifth. Bonds finished 1-for-1 with four walks on theevening.


"I knew when I let it go I didn't bury it (the 2-1 changeup) orfinish it all the way," Vanden Hurk said. "I wanted to throwdown and I left it hanging up and he hit it out. I knew he gotreal good wood on it. He's such a great hitter, you have toexecute and I nibbled a little bit too much."


After the hanging changeup, Bonds did not see another pitch tohit.


"To hit it there, you have to get all of it," San Franciscomanager Bruce Bochy said. "That's what's amazing about what he'saccomplished over the years. The fact that he gets walked somuch. This is a tough place to hit a home run and he showed ushow strong he still is."


However, Bonds' celebration cheers turn into boos after Giantsstarter Barry Zito was tagged for four runs in the third as MikeJacobs laced a two-run double and came around on Cody Ross'two-run homer.


Jacobs marveled at the atmosphere and energy of the crowd andwhat Bonds is about to accomplish and used the phrase"star-struck" to describe the mood as the Marlins left the fieldafter the end of the first.


"It's hard to explain what he's doing," Jacobs said. "To hitthat many home runs and to be doing it, still be doing it and betwo home runs away from it is incredible. I know everyonetalks about A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) having a chance to do it, butuntil that day comes, Barry Bonds is by far the best hitterever in this game."


But San Francisco rallied in the fifth as Bonds and Ryan Kleskodrew consecutive walks before Pedro Feliz delivered a three-runblast. Bengie Molina then capped the four-run uprising with asolo shot off Vanden Hurk to tie the game at 6-6.


Hanley Ramirez gave Florida a brief one-run advantage with aleadoff homer - his 17th - to left against reliever KevinCorreia in the next frame.


"What, 28 hits for both teams. ... a lot of balls leaving theballpark," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We don't playhere very often, but I've never seen balls jump in this ballparklike this. We got some pitches up in the strike zone and theyswung the bat and got some runs."


Gonzalez plans to pitch "in situations" to Bonds throughout theremainder of the series.


"You can't throw him cookies. We were trying to pitch to himbut we ended up walking him," Gonzalez said.


San Francisco seized the lead for good in the bottom half. RandyWinn doubled and scored on Omar Vizquel's RBI single and RayDurham followed with a go-head two-run homer off reliever RenyelPinto (2-4), highlighting a commanding six-run inning to makeit 12-7.


That blast made a winner of Vinnie Chulk (4-2), who got the lasttwo outs of the sixth.


Durham's blast gave the Giants their second four-homer contestof the season. San Francisco also went deep four times atCincinnati on July 4.


Zito gave up six runs and eight hits in just four innings toremain winless in his last three home games.


"They certainly deserve better out of me," Zito said. "I'mworking my ass off and that's not going to stop. I just have tokeep working."


Vanden Hurk surrendered six runs and eight hits with five walksover five frames.


Prior to the game, Giants owner Peter Magowan stated he thoughtthe home run chase was becoming a distraction to the club andBochy agreed.


"It's hard for it not to be," Bochy said. "With all theattention Barry is getting with all of you (the media) beinghere. At the same time, we've talked about this and we allfocus on the ballgame being played. I thought the guys did agreat job. We got down, but we fought back."


Bochy stated he would check with Bonds to see how he feelsbefore making a decision on whether No. 25 will be in the lineupon Saturday and or Sunday. Bonds had a more definite answer,"I'm playing both as far as I know. He (Bochy) hasn't told meanything different at this time."

 

Bonds hits 754th homer as Giants rally past Marlins

<h3>SAN FRANCISCO 12, FLORIDA 10</h3>By Ryan McCrary
PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer


SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- At long last, Barry Bonds gave the fansat AT&T Park what they wanted to see.


Bonds hit his 754th career homer to pull within one of tryingHank Aaron's all-time mark as the San Francisco Giants ralliedfor a 12-10 triumph over the Florida Marlins on Friday night.

The 43-year-old slugger inched closer to the historicalmilestone in the first inning, when he connected on a 2-1 pitch<div class="pre">to deep left-center - estimated at 420 feet off Florida rookie</div>Rick Vanden Hurk for a 2-1 lead.


The capacity crowd roared its approval and when Bonds took thefield for the second inning, a congratulatory message fromformer NBA legend Michael Jordan played on the scoreboard.

"It felt good, real good, but a win felt better," Bonds said."It's sinking in now. The city is great, the fans have beenfantastic. I don't know how to say thank you enough for themand the city of San Francisco, not only for myself, but for theorganization. It's very hard to explain because I can't tellyou every emotion that's going through my body and everythingthat's going on."


Bonds claims this chase is not much different from any othermilestone he has chased throughout his career.


"It's a very different situation this time around than any of myother home runs. Every home run I've hit was mostly in apennant race. I don't feel that kind of pressure. I've beendoing that my whole life."


It was the first homer at home for the seven-time NationalLeague MVP since going deep in the eighth inning of a 7-3setback to the New York Yankees on June 22.


Vanden Hurk, who possibly did not want to be linked with Bondsforever, walked the San Francisco slugger in the third and againin the fifth. Bonds finished 1-for-1 with four walks on theevening.


"I knew when I let it go I didn't bury it (the 2-1 changeup) orfinish it all the way," Vanden Hurk said. "I wanted to throwdown and I left it hanging up and he hit it out. I knew he gotreal good wood on it. He's such a great hitter, you have toexecute and I nibbled a little bit too much."


After the hanging changeup, Bonds did not see another pitch tohit.


"To hit it there, you have to get all of it," San Franciscomanager Bruce Bochy said. "That's what's amazing about what he'saccomplished over the years. The fact that he gets walked somuch. This is a tough place to hit a home run and he showed ushow strong he still is."


However, Bonds' celebration cheers turn into boos after Giantsstarter Barry Zito was tagged for four runs in the third as MikeJacobs laced a two-run double and came around on Cody Ross'two-run homer.


Jacobs marveled at the atmosphere and energy of the crowd andwhat Bonds is about to accomplish and used the phrase"star-struck" to describe the mood as the Marlins left the fieldafter the end of the first.


"It's hard to explain what he's doing," Jacobs said. "To hitthat many home runs and to be doing it, still be doing it and betwo home runs away from it is incredible. I know everyonetalks about A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) having a chance to do it, butuntil that day comes, Barry Bonds is by far the best hitterever in this game."


But San Francisco rallied in the fifth as Bonds and Ryan Kleskodrew consecutive walks before Pedro Feliz delivered a three-runblast. Bengie Molina then capped the four-run uprising with asolo shot off Vanden Hurk to tie the game at 6-6.


Hanley Ramirez gave Florida a brief one-run advantage with aleadoff homer - his 17th - to left against reliever KevinCorreia in the next frame.


"What, 28 hits for both teams. ... a lot of balls leaving theballpark," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We don't playhere very often, but I've never seen balls jump in this ballparklike this. We got some pitches up in the strike zone and theyswung the bat and got some runs."


Gonzalez plans to pitch "in situations" to Bonds throughout theremainder of the series.


"You can't throw him cookies. We were trying to pitch to himbut we ended up walking him," Gonzalez said.


San Francisco seized the lead for good in the bottom half. RandyWinn doubled and scored on Omar Vizquel's RBI single and RayDurham followed with a go-head two-run homer off reliever RenyelPinto (2-4), highlighting a commanding six-run inning to makeit 12-7.


That blast made a winner of Vinnie Chulk (4-2), who got the lasttwo outs of the sixth.


Durham's blast gave the Giants their second four-homer contestof the season. San Francisco also went deep four times atCincinnati on July 4.


Zito gave up six runs and eight hits in just four innings toremain winless in his last three home games.


"They certainly deserve better out of me," Zito said. "I'mworking my ass off and that's not going to stop. I just have tokeep working."


Vanden Hurk surrendered six runs and eight hits with five walksover five frames.


Prior to the game, Giants owner Peter Magowan stated he thoughtthe home run chase was becoming a distraction to the club andBochy agreed.


"It's hard for it not to be," Bochy said. "With all theattention Barry is getting with all of you (the media) beinghere. At the same time, we've talked about this and we allfocus on the ballgame being played. I thought the guys did agreat job. We got down, but we fought back."


Bochy stated he would check with Bonds to see how he feelsbefore making a decision on whether No. 25 will be in the lineupon Saturday and or Sunday. Bonds had a more definite answer,"I'm playing both as far as I know. He (Bochy) hasn't told meanything different at this time."

 

Bonds hits 754th homer as Giants rally past Marlins

<h3>SAN FRANCISCO 12, FLORIDA 10</h3>By Ryan McCrary
PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer


SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- At long last, Barry Bonds gave thefans at AT&T Park what they wanted to see.


Bonds hit his 754th career homer to pull within one of tryingHank Aaron's all-time mark as the San Francisco Giants ralliedfor a 12-10 triumph over the Florida Marlins on Friday night.

The 43-year-old slugger inched closer to the historicalmilestone in the first inning, when he connected on a 2-1 pitch<div class="pre">to deep left-center - estimated at 420 feet off Florida rookie</div>Rick Vanden Hurk for a 2-1 lead.


The capacity crowd roared its approval and when Bonds took thefield for the second inning, a congratulatory message fromformer NBA legend Michael Jordan played on the scoreboard.

"It felt good, real good, but a win felt better," Bonds said."It's sinking in now. The city is great, the fans have beenfantastic. I don't know how to say thank you enough for themand the city of San Francisco, not only for myself, but for theorganization. It's very hard to explain because I can't tellyou every emotion that's going through my body and everythingthat's going on."


Bonds claims this chase is not much different from any othermilestone he has chased throughout his career.


"It's a very different situation this time around than any of myother home runs. Every home run I've hit was mostly in apennant race. I don't feel that kind of pressure. I've beendoing that my whole life."


It was the first homer at home for the seven-time NationalLeague MVP since going deep in the fifth inning of a 4-1 victoryover the Arizona Diamondbacks June 29


Vanden Hurk, who possibly did not want to be linked with Bondsforever, walked the San Francisco slugger in the third and againin the fifth. Bonds finished 1-for-1 with four walks on theevening.


"I knew when I let it go I didn't bury it (the 2-1 changeup) orfinish it all the way," Vanden Hurk said. "I wanted to throwdown and I left it hanging up and he hit it out. I knew he gotreal good wood on it. He's such a great hitter, you have toexecute and I nibbled a little bit too much."


After the hanging changeup, Bonds did not see another pitch tohit.


"To hit it there, you have to get all of it," San Franciscomanager Bruce Bochy said. "That's what's amazing about what he'saccomplished over the years. The fact that he gets walked somuch. This is a tough place to hit a home run and he showed ushow strong he still is."


However, Bonds' celebration cheers turn into boos after Giantsstarter Barry Zito was tagged for four runs in the third as MikeJacobs laced a two-run double and came around on Cody Ross'two-run homer.


Jacobs marveled at the atmosphere and energy of the crowd andwhat Bonds is about to accomplish and used the phrase"star-struck" to describe the mood as the Marlins left the fieldafter the end of the first.


"It's hard to explain what he's doing," Jacobs said. "To hitthat many home runs and to be doing it, still be doing it and betwo home runs away from it is incredible. I know everyonetalks about A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) having a chance to do it, butuntil that day comes, Barry Bonds is by far the best hitterever in this game."


But San Francisco rallied in the fifth as Bonds and Ryan Kleskodrew consecutive walks before Pedro Feliz delivered a three-runblast. Bengie Molina then capped the four-run uprising with asolo shot off Vanden Hurk to tie the game at 6-6.


Hanley Ramirez gave Florida a brief one-run advantage with aleadoff homer - his 17th - to left against reliever KevinCorreia in the next frame.


"What, 28 hits for both teams. ... a lot of balls leaving theballpark," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We don't playhere very often, but I've never seen balls jump in this ballparklike this. We got some pitches up in the strike zone and theyswung the bat and got some runs."


Gonzalez plans to pitch "in situations" to Bonds throughout theremainder of the series.


"You can't throw him cookies. We were trying to pitch to himbut we ended up walking him," Gonzalez said.


San Francisco seized the lead for good in the bottom half. RandyWinn doubled and scored on Omar Vizquel's RBI single and RayDurham followed with a go-head two-run homer off reliever RenyelPinto (2-4), highlighting a commanding six-run inning to makeit 12-7.


That blast made a winner of Vinnie Chulk (4-2), who got the lasttwo outs of the sixth.


Durham's blast gave the Giants their second four-homer contestof the season. San Francisco also went deep four times atCincinnati on July 4.


Zito gave up six runs and eight hits in just four innings toremain winless in his last three home games.


"They certainly deserve better out of me," Zito said. "I'mworking my ass off and that's not going to stop. I just have tokeep working."


Vanden Hurk surrendered six runs and eight hits with five walksover five frames.


Prior to the game, Giants owner Peter Magowan stated he thoughtthe home run chase was becoming a distraction to the club andBochy agreed.


"It's hard for it not to be," Bochy said. "With all theattention Barry is getting with all of you (the media) beinghere. At the same time, we've talked about this and we allfocus on the ballgame being played. I thought the guys did agreat job. We got down, but we fought back."


Bochy stated he would check with Bonds to see how he feelsbefore making a decision on whether No. 25 will be in the lineupon Saturday and or Sunday. Bonds had a more definite answer,"I'm playing both as far as I know. He (Bochy) hasn't told meanything different at this time."